Breeding Sweet potato [Ipomoeaebatatas (L.) Lam] For Low Moisture Stress Tolerance

Abstract

Sweet potato is important sources of carbohydrates, vitamins A and C, fiber, iron, potassium, and protein, potato is also used as animal feed. Increasing recognition of the great potential of the sweet potato crop as a nutritious food for humans and animals has resulted in intensified research efforts to enhance production and consumption. Sweet potato is sensitive to water deficits particularly during the establishment period including vine development and storage root initiation. However, drought is often a major environmental constraint for sweet potato production in areas where it is grown under rain fed conditions. Different cultivars may respond differently to limited quantities of soil water. Selection for good cultivar performance under drought conditions is thus considered to be of major importance.